Box in the form of a cat 1733 - 1743

This delightful 'Box in the Form of a Cat' was made at the Saint-Cloud factory in France, sometime between 1693 and 1766, using soft-paste porcelain. It features a silver base. The cat's milky, luminous quality comes from the careful manipulation of materials and firing processes. Notice the delicate floral decorations, likely applied by hand, and the smooth, refined curves of the cat’s body. Porcelain production in this era was labor-intensive, requiring precise mixing of ingredients, meticulous molding, and skillful firing to achieve the desired translucence and strength. This wasn't just art; it was high-end manufacturing, with all the social implications that entails. The silver base adds an element of luxury, reflecting the tastes of the aristocratic consumers who purchased such items. Appreciating this box involves understanding not just its aesthetic appeal, but also the complex web of labor, skill, and social status that brought it into being. It challenges us to see the artistry in industry, and the social context embedded within seemingly simple forms.